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Posted on: June 5, 2017

Stormwater Improvements Critical to Emergency

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (June 5, 2017) – As weather forecasters predict above-average activity during this hurricane season, the Town of Mount Pleasant views the integrity of its stormwater infrastructure as critical to preparing and responding to a powerful storm.

“Recent storms and last year’s Hurricane Matthew have proven that we cannot be complacent when it comes to maintaining and repairing the miles of pipes and ditches that prevent town-wide flooding,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Linda Page. “We must remember that one of the greatest threats coming from a hurricane is its powerful storm surge. A well-maintained stormwater infrastructure protects public health and safety by reducing flooding and by safeguarding property. Clogged pipes will flood neighborhoods and have dramatic economic impact on the Town.”

As part of the CIP, the Town has spent $3.2 million dollars cleaning and inspecting nine miles of infrastructure and rehabilitating nearly five miles of pipe. Utilizing new technologies, the Town has rehabilitated existing pipes by installing internal liners to seal broken joints and cracks. Pipe management includes inspecting the inside of pipes with a video camera and then reviewing the footage to assess the most critical needs and determine the necessary repair methods. The end goal of the pipe rehabilitation project is to extend the stormwater system’s useful life for an additional 50 years.

Mayor Page urges residents and businesses to help the Town prepare for nature-made emergencies by implementing their own emergency preparedness plan.

About the Capital Improvement Plan

The Town of Mount Pleasant Capital Improvement emphasizes the Town’s commitment to its capital needs and totals almost $50 million dollars for fiscal year 2018. The Capital Improvement Plan is a five-year plan updated annually. Projects are ranked by the Mayor and Town Council, and funding plans are set in place and ultimately approved each fiscal year. As most projects tend to span multiple years, funding remains active and is carried forward to each new budget until a project is completed. The Town of Mount Pleasant is committed to funding major transportation and stormwater infrastructure improvements, which combined are 85% of the total CIP budget, along with the continued effort to maintain Town facilities and other assets to create a more sustainable community for citizens.

For more information about the CIP and emergency preparedness, visit us online at www.tompsc.com.